French Jodel Was Used To Drop Teddy Bears Over Belarus In Protest Against The Government

Another airplane with an unusual history has popped up for sale on eBay. This time, the airplane on the auction block was used to protest the human rights and free speech (or lack thereof) policies of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Thomas Mazetti, the owner of the plane, last year flew the 1968 French-built Jodel illegally into Belarusian airspace and dropped "hundreds" of teddy bears in parachutes over the former Soviet Republic carrying messages promoting free speech. The flight was captured on video and posted on YouTube.

Now, Mazetti calls the airplane a "flyable piece of art" in an e-mail sent to ANN and other media outlets. On the eBay posting, he says that any profit received will go "to the fight for a free Belarus."

The bidding on the Jodel at last check was $11,000, but that does not meet the (unstated) reserve placed on the airplane. It is described as being "in working condition" and being "sold as it stands. The only modification is a small hatch in the rear window from where the teddy troopers (were) dropped. Profit goes to the struggle for democracy in Belarus."

Mazetti and his partner in the flight Hanna Lina Frey said the Teddy Bear mission was a success, bringing needed media and other attention to the conditions in Belarus.

One thing more ... the airplane is in Sweden, and the buyer is responsible for "vehicle pickup or shipping."

(Image from YouTube video)

FMI:  eBay Listing